Metro Washington Council afl-cio

Advocates of “Just Hours” legislation reacted with frustration and disappointment yesterday after the DC City Council tabled the Hours and Scheduling Stability Act, essentially killing it for this session. Metro Washington Council Executive Director Carlos Jimenez called the vote “a step back for DC workers and our economy,” and DC Jobs With Justice Executive Director Elizabeth Falcon said that “Today the Council let down thousands of our neighbors who work in retail and food service and all of their families.”

Recent polls showed overwhelming public support by DC residents for the proposed legislation, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio last week announced his support for a similar initiative and on Monday night the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to approve similar legislation, joining other large cities seeking to address income inequality and unique challenges for low-wage workers in the retail industry.

“Even with more D.C. residents living in poverty than before the recession and with many residents who want to work full-time only finding part-time work,” Falcon added, “the D.C. Council decided to ignore the needs of hourly retail and restaurant workers at the heart of our local economy.”

Councilmembers Mary Cheh, LaRuby May, Brianne Nadeau, and Elissa Silverman – who voted against tabling the bill – won plaudits for their support and Jimenez pledged that “We will work with the DC Council and other leaders to ensure Fair Scheduling and stable hours become a reality for DC.”